• Do I need to have an iPod or MP3 player to listen to downloads?
• Do I need to have an iPod or MP3 player to subscribe to podcasts?
• I've downloaded an MP3 but I can't hear anything. What could be the problem?
• I've subscribed to a podcast but I'm getting an error message. What could be the problem?
• I’m clicking on the download and it’s playing rather than downloading to my computer. Why is this happening?
• I am on a Mac, how do I download the MP3 files?

Do I need to have an iPod or MP3 player to listen to downloads?

No you don't. Anyone with a computer connected to the internet can download and listen to MP3 files. You will need a media player on your computer (many PCs come with Windows Media Player), and you'll also need speakers or headphones. The advantage of transferring the downloads onto a portable player is that you can then listen to them on the move.

Do I need to have an iPod or MP3 player to subscribe to podcasts?

No you don't. Anyone with a computer connected to the internet can subscribe to and receive podcasts. You will need to install a podcasting application and you can find a list of these here: podcast software (OCC is not responsible for the content of external websites)

The advantage of transferring the podcast downloads onto a portable player is that you can then listen to them on the move.

I've downloaded an MP3 but I can't hear anything. What could be the problem?

There could be a number of problems, and we're unable to give fully comprehensive advice. You should check that you have a media player on your computer (e.g Windows Media Player or iTunes). You should also check that the sound is turned up on your machine, and that your speakers or headphones are connected.

I've subscribed to a podcast but I'm getting an error message. What could be the problem?

This may depend on the podcasting application that you are using. You should refer to the Help or Trouble Shooting section in your application. You may also want to delete the feed and re-subscribe. If you are having persistent problems you may want to choose another podcasting application. You can find a list of these here: podcast software

I’m clicking on the download and it’s playing rather than downloading to my computer. Why is this happening?

The way that you experience MP3 downloads will depend on your setup – e.g. whether you are on a PC or Mac, and which operating system and browser you are using. In many cases left clicking on the download link or icon will play the file. Right clicking on the link or icon should display a list of options. One of these options is likely to be "Save Target As…" or "Save Link As…". If you select this option (or any similar option containing the word "Save") then you should be able to save the MP3 to your computer.

I am on a Mac, how do I download the MP3 files?

If you hold down the Control (ctrl) key on your keyboard whilst clicking on the MP3 link with your mouse a menu of options should appear. One of these options should be "Download Link to Disk" or "Download Linked File". If you select this option this should activate the download and should save it to your desktop.